Comox Valley Naturalists Society

March, 2004
Frank Hovenden

Three years ago, our gracious Lieutenant-Governor Iona Campagnolo attended a ceremony in Courtenay to declare the Comox Valley and Baynes Sound Important Bird Areas (IBA). The IBA designation is a small step in recognizing that we must be willing to share this special ecosystem in which we live with other creatures, if we are to keep the richness that makes it special.

Now is the time of year we welcome special visitors, the Brant geese, to our part of the world. This small goose, which is only slightly bigger than a mallard duck, is starting out on a long journey northward that culminates at its arctic breeding grounds. A long and arduous journey requires preparation, and that is why the Brant visit the bays and beaches of Vancouver Island. They are not here to golf, ski, or enjoy our scenery. They are here with the single purpose of bulking up so they have the energy required to fly several thousand miles and then get to work. That work is building a nest, laying 3-5 eggs, protecting it against predators and raising the family. While most human beings take a lifetime of 3-score and some years to accomplish these tasks, this little goose must do it in two months before the onset of autumn in the arctic.

Locally, the Brant follow a predictable routine, based on the cycle of the tide which uncovers their breakfast (the most important meal of the day according to all moms). The night is spent on the safety of the waters of the Strait of Georgia. With daylight they fly to shore and begin feeding, following the tide out. It is here that we can help these birds by using a little common sense to avoid wildlife conflicts.

Dog owners have a special role to play in goose conservation, by leashing their dogs for a short period of the year while the Brant are on our beaches. If the geese are being chased by dogs (or humans for that matter) they are unable to feed and may leave this area without the fat supplies needed for the work ahead of them. In a wise decision to protect the Brant, our Regional District is making leashing mandatory for dogs at Goose Spit Park from March 1 to April 30.

I know the vast majority of dog owners are also nature lovers. However there are the occasional owners who probably through lack of knowledge allow their pet to chase the birds. Hopefully peer pressure from responsible pet owners and awareness through education will reduce this practice. Remember that while Fido has a bowl of dog chow provided, the Brant have to fend for themselves, feeding when they can. The areas where the birds are able feed have been greatly reduced through development. Let’s all work to give them a little space to feed and enjoy their time in the Comox Valley. Like all visitors we want them to return with pleasant memories of their visit.

Click on a link below to view the CVNS newspaper column.